Thawing chamber

Abstract

To provide a thawing chamber which can efficiently thaw frozen materials and keep the frozen materials cool.SOLUTION: A thawing chamber includes: a thawing compartment 21 which can store frozen materials; a first storage compartment 31 which stores a cooler 22 and a heater 23; a second storage compartment 32 which is connected to the thawing compartment 21; a first air-blowing device 41; and a second air-blowing device 42 which is stored in the second storage compartment 32. When the first air-blowing device 41 operates, the air from the thawing compartment 21 is drawn into the first storage compartment 31, passes through the heater 23 and the cooler 22 and is then discharged into the thawing compartment 21. When the second air-blowing device 42 operates, the air from the second storage compartment 32 is discharged into the thawing compartment 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a decompressor. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a thawing chamber is known, as described in the following Patent Document 1. The thawing chamber described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a thawing chamber (heating chamber) in which frozen items are stored, and a storage chamber (heating section) in which a cooler and a heater (heater) are disposed, and is configured such that air that has been heat exchanged by the heater or cooler is discharged into the thawing chamber by driving an air blower (fan) disposed at the boundary between the thawing chamber and the storage chamber. This allows the frozen items to be thawed and kept cold. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-328724 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a thawing chamber, a thawing operation is generally performed to heat frozen items to a predetermined temperature and thaw the frozen items, and a cold storage operation is generally performed to keep the thawed frozen items at a predetermined temperature. In the thawing operation, it is required to quickly heat the frozen items to a predetermined temperature, and in the cold storage operation, it is required to stably maintain the predetermined temperature. However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the thawing operation and the cold storage operation are performed by one type of blower. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to select an optimal blower for both the thawing operation (heating) and the cold storage operation (cooling). For example, when a blower with a large amount of air blowing suitable for the thawing operation is selected, the temperature change in the thawing chamber becomes large, and the performance of the cold storage operation is deteriorated. In addition, when a blower with a small amount of air blowing suitable for the cold storage operation is selected, it takes a long time to thaw the items.

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification was developed based on the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a thawing cabinet that can efficiently thaw and keep frozen items cold. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, the thawing chamber disclosed in this specification comprises a thawing chamber capable of storing frozen goods, a first storage chamber in which a cooler and a heater are housed, a second storage chamber connected to the thawing chamber, a first air blowing device, and a second air blowing device housed in the second storage chamber, and is configured such that when the first air blowing device is driven, air from the thawing chamber is sucked into the first storage chamber, passes through the heater and the cooler, and is then discharged into the thawing chamber, and when the second air blowing device is driven, air from the second storage chamber is discharged into the thawing chamber.

[0007] In addition, the second storage chamber may be disposed between the thawing chamber and the first storage chamber, and when the first blower device is driven, air from the thawing chamber is sucked into the first storage chamber via the second storage chamber, passes through the heater and the cooler, and then is expelled into the thawing chamber via the second storage chamber.

[0008] The thawing chamber may be disposed between the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber.

[0009] The thawing chamber may further include a plurality of shelves arranged in an up-down direction to divide the thawing chamber, and the second air blowing device may be arranged in a plurality of stages corresponding to each of the shelves in the plurality of stages.

[0010] The thawing chamber may further include a plurality of shelves arranged in an up-down direction to divide the thawing chamber, the first air blowing device being arranged at a height corresponding to the uppermost shelf of the plurality of shelves, and the second air blowing device being arranged in a plurality of positions corresponding to each of the plurality of shelves except for the uppermost shelf.

[0011] The second air blowing devices may be arranged in a plurality of rows along a direction perpendicular to both the arrangement direction of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber and the up-down direction.

[0012] The second blowing devices may be arranged in a staggered manner in the vertical direction.

[0013] In addition, the configuration can be such that, when the first blower device is driven, air in the thawing chamber is sucked into the upper part of the first storage chamber, passes through the heater, and then is expelled to the lower part of the thawing chamber.

[0014] Further, a flow path connecting the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber may be provided below the shelf plate arranged at the lowest level in the thawing chamber.

[0015] The present invention may also include a plate-shaped duct member that separates the first storage chamber and the thawing chamber, and a discharge port is formed at a lower end of the duct member for discharging air from the first storage chamber into the thawing chamber, and a plurality of through holes are formed in the duct member above the discharge port.

[0016] The cooling system may further include a cooling device including the cooler, and a control unit, wherein the first blower and the second blower are each constituted by a blower fan, and the control unit executes a cold storage operation in which the temperature in the thawing chamber is maintained at a predetermined cold storage temperature by operating the cooling device, the first blower and the second blower, and a thawing operation in which the frozen material in the thawing chamber is thawed by operating the heater, the first blower and the second blower, and the rotation speed of the first blower in the thawing operation is set to a value greater than the rotation speed of the first blower in the cold storage operation, and the rotation speed of the second blower in the thawing operation is set to a value greater than the rotation speed of the second blower in the cold storage operation.

[0017] In addition, during the cold storage operation, the second blower may be stopped.

[0018] The device may also include a plurality of indoor temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the air in the thawing chamber; and a control unit, wherein the plurality of indoor temperature sensors are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of shelves, and the control unit performs a thawing operation to thaw the frozen items in the thawing chamber by operating the heater, the first blower and the second blower, and during the thawing operation, when the temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is below a predetermined thawing temperature, the control unit operates the second blower corresponding to the shelf on which the indoor temperature sensor is arranged, and when the temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor exceeds the thawing temperature, the control unit stops the second blower corresponding to the shelf on which the indoor temperature sensor is arranged.

[0019] The device may further include a plurality of indoor temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of air in the thawing chamber; and a control unit, wherein the first blower and the second blower are each constituted by a blower fan, the plurality of indoor temperature sensors are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of shelves, and the control unit performs a thawing operation to thaw the frozen items in the thawing chamber by operating the heater, the first blower and the second blower, and any two of the plurality of indoor temperature sensors are the first indoor temperature sensor and the second indoor temperature sensor. In this case, during the thawing operation, when the detected temperature of the first indoor temperature sensor is higher than the detected temperature of the second indoor temperature sensor by a predetermined value or more, the control unit may reduce the rotation speed of the second blower corresponding to the shelf on which the first indoor temperature sensor is arranged to be slower than the rotation speed of the second blower corresponding to the shelf on which the second indoor temperature sensor is arranged.

[0020] In addition, during the defrosting operation, the rotation speed of the second blower corresponding to the shelf on which the first indoor temperature sensor is arranged when the detected temperature of the first indoor temperature sensor is below a predetermined defrosting temperature can be set to a value greater than the rotation speed of the second blower corresponding to the shelf on which the first indoor temperature sensor is arranged when the detected temperature exceeds the defrosting temperature.

[0021] The cooling device may further include a cooling device including the cooler, and a control unit, wherein the first air blower and the second air blower are each constituted by an air blower fan, and the control unit executes a cold storage operation in which the temperature inside the thawing chamber is maintained at a predetermined cold storage temperature by operating the cooling device, the first air blower, and the second air blower, and a thawing operation in which the frozen material in the thawing chamber is thawed by operating the heater, the first air blower, and the second air blower, and in the cold storage operation, the first air blower is driven so that air in the thawing chamber is sucked into the lower part of the first storage chamber, passes through the cooler and the heater, and is then discharged to the upper part of the thawing chamber, and in the thawing operation, the control unit rotates the first air blower in the opposite direction to that during the cold storage operation, thereby causing air in the thawing chamber to be sucked into the upper part of the first storage chamber, passes through the heater and the cooler, and is then discharged to the lower part of the thawing chamber. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, a thawing cabinet capable of efficiently thawing and keeping frozen items cold can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an internal structure of a thawing chamber according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the defroster [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an internal structure of a thawing chamber according to a first comparative example. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a front view showing the internal structure of a thawing chamber according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a front view showing the internal structure of a thawing chamber according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] A plan view showing the internal structure of the defrosting chamber (as viewed from above in FIG. 5) [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a view of the duct member and the second blower device from the left side of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the internal structure of a thawing chamber according to Comparative Example 2. [Figure 9]FIG. 11 is a front view showing the internal structure of a thawing chamber according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a second blower according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a front view showing the internal structure of a thawing chamber according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a front view showing the internal structure of a thawing chamber according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a front view showing the internal structure of a thawing chamber according to Comparative Example 3. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a front view showing the internal structure of a thawing chamber according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 14A and 14B are front views showing the duct member 751. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a front view showing the internal structure of a defrosting chamber according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention (during defrosting operation). [Figure 17] A front view showing the internal structure of the defrosting chamber during cooling operation [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a modified example of the cooling operation [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a front view showing the internal structure of a thawing chamber according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 12 is a front view showing the internal structure of a thawing chamber according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention (during cold storage operation). [Figure 21] FIG. 12 is a front view showing the internal structure of a thawing chamber according to a twelfth embodiment (during thawing operation). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] <Embodiment 1> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. A thawing chamber 10 of this embodiment includes a thawing chamber 21 capable of accommodating frozen objects, a first storage chamber 31 in which a cooler 22 and a heater 23 are accommodated, a second storage chamber 32 in communication with the thawing chamber 21, a first air blower 41 accommodated in the first storage chamber 31, and a second air blower 42 accommodated in the second storage chamber 32. The thawing chamber 10 includes a thermally insulated box body 11, and the internal space of the box body 11 is divided into three spaces by plate-shaped duct members 51 and 53. Specifically, the first storage chamber 31 and the second storage chamber 32 are separated by the duct member 51, and the second storage chamber 32 and the thawing chamber 21 are separated by the duct member 53. The thawing chamber 21 is opened at the front (the front side of the paper in Fig. 1), and an insulating door (not shown) is attached to cover the opening.

[0025] Also, by cutting out a part of the duct member 51, communication openings 51A and 51B are formed to communicate between the first storage chamber 31 and the second storage chamber 32. Also, by cutting out a part of the duct member 53, a communication opening is formed to communicate between the thawing chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 32, not shown. As a result, the thawing chamber 21 and the first storage chamber 31 are communicated through the second storage chamber 32 arranged between the thawing chamber 21 and the first storage chamber 31. Also, the thawing chamber 10 is provided with a plurality of shelves 24 that are provided in the thawing chamber 21 and divide the thawing chamber 21 in the vertical direction. The top surface of each shelf 24 is configured so that frozen foods can be placed thereon.

[0026] The defrosting chamber 10 is equipped with a cooling device 14 including a cooler 22. In the cooling device 14, a compressor 15, a condenser 16, a capillary tube 17, and a cooler 22 are circulated and connected in this order by refrigerant piping to form a refrigeration cycle. This makes it possible to generate a cooling effect by compressing the refrigerant in the refrigerant piping by the compressor 15, dissipating heat in the condenser 16, and evaporating it in the cooler 22.

[0027] The first blower 41 and the second blower 42 are each constituted by a blower fan. When the first blower 41 is driven, air in the thawing chamber 21 is sucked into the first chamber 31 via the second chamber 32 (and the communication port 51B), passes through the heater 23 and the cooler 22, and is then discharged into the thawing chamber 21 via the second chamber 32 (and the communication port 51A). When the second blower 42 is driven, the air in the second chamber 32 is discharged into the thawing chamber 21.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, the defroster 10 includes a control unit 12 and a storage unit 13. The control unit 12 is mainly composed of a CPU, for example, and the storage unit 13 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, etc. The storage unit 13, the compressor 15, the first blower 41, the second blower 42, and the heater 23 are electrically connected to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 executes a program stored in the storage unit 13 to control each device (the compressor 15, the first blower 41, the second blower 42, and the heater 23) electrically connected to the control unit 12.

[0029] The control unit 12 performs a cooling operation to maintain the temperature in the thawing chamber 21 at a predetermined cooling temperature by operating the cooling device 14, the first blower 41, and the second blower 42, and a thawing operation to thaw the frozen items in the thawing chamber 21 by operating the heater 23, the first blower 41, and the second blower 42.

[0030] Next, the effect of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, by driving the first blower 41, air can be circulated between the thawing chamber 21 and the first storage chamber 31. As a result, by driving the first blower 41 in a state where the cooler 22 is operated and the heater 23 is stopped, the air cooled by the cooler 22 can be sent to the thawing chamber 21, and the frozen object can be kept cold. In addition, by driving the first blower 41 in a state where the cooler 22 is stopped and the heater 22 is operated, the warm air heated by the heater 23 can be sent to the thawing chamber 21, and the frozen object can be thawed. Furthermore, when the first blower 41 is driven, the warm air of the heater 23 is sent to the second storage chamber 32. In this case, when the second blower 42 is driven, the warm air sent to the second storage chamber 32 can be sent to the thawing chamber 21, and the frozen object can be thawed more quickly.

[0031] In this way, by providing the first blower 41 and the second blower 42 with different functions, the blowing volumes of the first blower 41 and the second blower 42 can be set to the optimum values, and the cold storage and thawing of frozen items can be performed efficiently. If, as shown in the defrosting chamber 2 in Fig. 3, only one type of blower 3 is provided, if the blower 3 is a blower with a large blowing volume suitable for the defrosting operation, the temperature change in the defrosting chamber 21 will be large, and the performance of the cold storage operation will be reduced. Also, if the blower 3 is a blower with a small blowing volume suitable for the cold storage operation, it will take a long time to defrost.

[0032] In contrast to this, in the present embodiment, for example, by selecting a first air blowing device 41 with a relatively small air blowing volume, the temperature change in the thawing chamber 21 can be reduced and the food can be kept cold efficiently, and by selecting a second air blowing device 42 with a relatively large air blowing volume, the frozen food can be thawed quickly.

[0033] In addition, the second storage chamber 32 is disposed between the thawing chamber 21 and the first storage chamber 31, and when the first blower 41 is driven, air from the thawing chamber 21 is sucked into the first storage chamber 31 via the second storage chamber 32, passes through the heater 23 and the cooler 22, and is then discharged into the thawing chamber 21 via the second storage chamber 32. In this manner, by circulating the air between the first storage chamber 31 and the second storage chamber 32, the air can be sufficiently cooled (or heated) before being blown into the thawing chamber 21.

[0034] <Embodiment 2> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The same parts as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the duplicated description will be omitted. As shown in Fig. 4, the defrosting chamber 210 of this embodiment includes a second storage chamber 232 in which a second blower 42 is stored, and the defrosting chamber 21 is disposed between the first storage chamber 31 and the second storage chamber 232. Note that the compressor 15, the condenser 16, and the capillary tube 17 are not shown in the following figures.

[0035] The thawing chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 232 are separated by a plate-shaped duct member 253. A circular communication opening 253A (see FIGS. 7 and 10) that communicates between the thawing chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 232 is formed penetrating the duct member 253 at a location facing the second blower 42. This communication opening 253A mainly functions as an outlet for blowing air from the second storage chamber 232 to the thawing chamber 21.

[0036] In addition, although not shown, a communication port (a communication port different from communication port 253A) that communicates between the thawing chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 232 is formed by cutting out a part of the duct member 253. This communication port mainly functions as an intake port for taking in the air of the thawing chamber 21 into the second storage chamber 232. For example, such an intake port is formed in the duct member 253 at a position facing the communication port 51A (a discharge port for discharging the air of the first storage chamber 31 into the thawing chamber 21) of the duct member 51, but the position where the intake port is formed can be changed as appropriate.

[0037] 1, when the second storage chamber 32 is disposed between the thawing chamber 21 and the first storage chamber 31, the air in the thawing chamber 21 is drawn into the first storage chamber 31 via the second storage chamber 32. As a result, there is a concern that the air drawn from the second storage chamber 32 into the first storage chamber 31 (air flow by the first blower 41) and the air discharged from the second storage chamber 32 into the thawing chamber 21 (air flow by the second blower 42) will interfere with each other, obstructing the air flow. By disposing the thawing chamber 21 between the first storage chamber 31 and the second storage chamber 232, such a situation can be prevented.

[0038] In the present embodiment, in the cold storage operation, the first blower 41 is driven in a state where the cooler 22 is operated and the heater 23 is stopped, so that the air cooled by the cooler 22 can be sent to the thawing chamber 21, and the frozen object can be kept cold. In the thawing operation, the first blower 41 is driven in a state where the cooler 22 is stopped and the heater 22 is operated, so that the warm air heated by the heater 23 can be sent to the thawing chamber 21, and the frozen object can be thawed. Furthermore, when the first blower 41 is driven, the warm air of the heater 23 is sent to the second storage chamber 232 that communicates with the thawing chamber 21. In this case, when the second blower 42 is driven, the warm air sent to the second storage chamber 232 can be sent to the thawing chamber 21, and the frozen object can be thawed more quickly.

[0039] <Embodiment 3> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. In a thawing chamber 310 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, a plurality of second air blowing devices 42 are arranged in a manner corresponding to each of the plurality of shelves 24. In this manner, air can be blown from each second air blowing device 42 to each of the frozen items placed on each shelf 24, and the occurrence of variations in the thawing state of each frozen item can be suppressed.

[0040] 6, a plurality of second air blowers 42 are arranged along the front-rear direction of the defrosting chamber 310 (a direction perpendicular to both the arrangement direction and the up-down direction of the first storage chamber 31 and the second storage chamber 232, the up-down direction in FIG. 6). That is, in this embodiment, the second air blowers 42 are arranged in a matrix within the plane of the duct member 53 that separates the defrosting chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 232, as shown in FIG.

[0041] As shown in the comparative example of Fig. 8, in a configuration having only one second air blowing device 42 in the center in the front-to-rear direction (up-down direction in Fig. 8), in parts of the thawing chamber 21 far from the second air blowing device 42, it is difficult for air to reach the ends in the front-to-rear direction, making it difficult for the frozen items to be thawed. In this embodiment, by arranging a plurality of second air blowing devices 42 along the front-to-rear direction of the thawing chamber 310, it is possible to blow air over a wider range in the front-to-rear direction (arrangement direction of the second air blowing devices 42), and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the thawing state of the frozen items varies.

[0042] <Embodiment 4> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the duplicated description will be omitted. In a thawing chamber 410 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, a first air blowing device 41 is provided at a height corresponding to the uppermost shelf 24 of the multiple shelves 24, and a plurality of second air blowing devices 42 are provided in a shape corresponding to each of the multiple shelves 24 except for the uppermost shelf 24.

[0043] Air can be blown from each air blower 42 to each frozen item placed on each shelf 24, preventing variations in the thawing state of each frozen item. In addition, the second air blower 42 is not provided on the top shelf 24. This prevents the first air blower 41 and the second air blower 42 from being arranged opposite each other and blocking each other's air blowing.

[0044] <Embodiment 5> Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the duplicated description will be omitted. In a thawing chamber 510 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, a plurality of second blower devices 42 aligned vertically are arranged in a staggered pattern. Compared to a configuration in which a plurality of second blower devices 42 are arranged in a matrix, the total number of second blower devices 42 can be reduced, and power saving and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0045] <Embodiment 6> Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicated description will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 11, a defrosting chamber 610 of this embodiment includes a plate-shaped duct member 51 that separates the first storage chamber 31 and the defrosting chamber 21. The rotation direction of the first blower 41 is set to be opposite to that of the above-described embodiments.

[0046] 11, when the first blower 41 is driven, the air in the thawing chamber 21 is sucked into the upper part of the first storage chamber 31, passes through the heater 23 and the cooler 22, and is then discharged to the lower part of the thawing chamber 21. That is, the communication port 51B formed at the lower end of the duct member 51 serves as a discharge port for discharging the air in the first storage chamber 31 into the thawing chamber 21, and the communication port 51A formed at the upper end of the duct member 51 serves as a suction port for sucking the air in the thawing chamber 21 into the first storage chamber 31. Therefore, the air heated by the heater 23 rises from the lower part of the thawing chamber 21, so that the thawing chamber 21 can be heated more uniformly.

[0047] <Embodiment 7> Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the duplicated description will be omitted. In a defrosting chamber 710 of this embodiment, the first blower 41 is driven to draw air from the defrosting chamber 21 into the first storage chamber 31 through the communication opening 51A. This makes it possible to prevent interference between the air discharged from the communication opening 51A into the defrosting chamber 21 and the air discharged from the second blower 42 at the top of the chamber into the defrosting chamber 21, as shown in the comparative example of Figure 13.

[0048] 12, a flow path 752 connecting the first storage chamber 31 and the second storage chamber 232 is provided below the shelf board 24 arranged at the lowest level in the thawing chamber 21. The lower end of a duct member 751 separating the first storage chamber 31 and the thawing chamber 21 extends to below the lowest shelf board 24, and a communication port 751B (discharge port) formed at the lower end of the duct member 751 is connected to the flow path 752. A communication port 754 is formed at the lower end of the duct member 253, and the communication port 754 is connected to the flow path 752. The second blower 42 is not arranged at the same height as the flow path 752.

[0049] By providing a flow path 752 below the shelf 24 arranged at the lowest level, it is possible to prevent the air flowing from the first storage chamber 31 to the second storage chamber 232 via the thawing chamber 21 (flow path 752) from being obstructed by the air flowing from the second air blowing device 42, and the air warmed by the heater 23 can be sent to the second storage chamber 232 more efficiently.

[0050] <Embodiment 8> Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 14 and 15. The same parts as those of the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the duplicated description will be omitted. In a thawing chamber 810 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14, a plurality of through holes 853 are formed in a portion of a duct member 751 above a communication port 751B (discharge port). The plurality of through holes 853 are elongated and arranged in a matrix as shown in Fig. 15. The through holes 853 are arranged to face the heater 23.

[0051] A location above communication opening 751B (discharge opening) in duct member 751 is a location in thawing chamber 21 that is far from second blower 42 and is a location to which the air from second blower 42 has difficulty reaching. By forming through hole 853 in duct member 751, air heated by heater 23 can be sent through through hole 853 to such a location.

[0052] <Embodiment 9> Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 18. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the duplicated description will be omitted. In a thawing chamber 910 of this embodiment, the control unit 12 executes a cold storage operation for maintaining the temperature in the thawing chamber 21 at a predetermined cold storage temperature by operating the cooling device 14, the first blower 41, and the second blower 42, and a thawing operation for thawing the frozen items in the thawing chamber 21 by operating the heater 23, the first blower 41, and the second blower 42.

[0053] The rotation speed of the first blower 41 in the defrosting operation (see FIG. 16) is set to a value higher than the rotation speed of the first blower 41 in the cold storage operation (see FIG. 17), and the rotation speed of the second blower 42 in the defrosting operation is set to a value higher than the rotation speed of the second blower 42 in the cold storage operation. Note that in the figure, the higher the rotation speed of the blower, the thicker the arrow indicating the blowing air is.

[0054] In the cold storage operation, the rotation speed (airflow rate) of both air blowers 41, 42 is reduced, thereby suppressing temperature change in the thawing chamber 21 and reducing power consumption of both air blowers 41, 42. In contrast, in the defrosting operation, the rotation speed of both air blowers 41, 42 is increased, thereby enabling the frozen objects to be defrosted more quickly. Also, as shown in Fig. 18, in the cold storage operation, the first air blower 41 may be driven and the second air blower 42 may be stopped. This allows power consumption in the cold storage operation to be further reduced.

[0055] <Embodiment 10> Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 19. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. As shown in Fig. 19, a thawing box 1010 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of indoor temperature sensors 1025 for detecting the temperature of air in the thawing chamber 21. The plurality of indoor temperature sensors 1025 are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of shelves 24, and are capable of detecting the temperature of air on the shelves 24. Note that, as the indoor temperature sensors 1025, for example, a thermopile can be exemplified, but is not limited to this.

[0056] During defrosting operation, when the detected temperature of each indoor temperature sensor 1025 is below a predetermined defrosting temperature T1, the control unit 12 operates the second blower device 42 corresponding to the shelf board 24 on which the indoor temperature sensor 1025 is arranged, and when the detected temperature of each indoor temperature sensor 1025 exceeds the defrosting temperature T1, the control unit 12 stops the second blower device 42 corresponding to the shelf board 24 on which the indoor temperature sensor 1025 is arranged.

[0057] By stopping the second blower 42 corresponding to the shelf board 24 that has exceeded the thawing temperature T1, it is possible to prevent the frozen items placed on that shelf board 24 from being excessively thawed. In other words, it is possible to maintain each frozen item placed on each shelf board 24 at approximately the thawing temperature T1, and to prevent the occurrence of uneven thawing. Also, by stopping the second blower 42 corresponding to the shelf board 24 that has exceeded the thawing temperature T1 (shelf board 24 that has completed thawing), it is possible to further reduce power consumption.

[0058] <Embodiment 11> Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the duplicated description will be omitted. The mechanical configuration of the defrosting chamber 1110 of this embodiment is the same as that of the defrosting chamber 1010 of the tenth embodiment, but the operation of the control unit 12 during defrosting operation is different.

[0059] In the case where any two of the multiple indoor temperature sensors 1025 are the first indoor temperature sensor 1025A and the second indoor temperature sensor 1025B, in the defrosting operation, when the detected temperature of the first indoor temperature sensor 1025A is higher than the detected temperature of the second indoor temperature sensor 1025B by a predetermined value or more, the control unit 12 makes the rotation speed of the second blower 42 (the second blower 42 arranged at the same height as the shelf board 24) corresponding to the shelf board 24 on which the first indoor temperature sensor 1025A is arranged slower than the rotation speed of the second blower 42 corresponding to the shelf board 24 on which the second indoor temperature sensor 1025B is arranged. In other words, in this embodiment, for the shelf board 24 whose temperature is higher than the other shelf boards 24, the rotation speed of the corresponding second blower 42 is made slower.

[0060] By reducing the rotation speed of the second blower 42 corresponding to the shelf 24 with a relatively high temperature, it is possible to prevent the frozen items placed on that shelf 24 from being thawed excessively, and to prevent uneven thawing of the items.

[0061] In addition, in the defrosting operation, the rotation speed of the second blower 42 corresponding to the shelf 24 on which the first indoor temperature sensor 1025A is arranged when the temperature detected by the first indoor temperature sensor 1025A is equal to or lower than the predetermined defrosting temperature T1 is set to a value higher than the rotation speed of the second blower 42 corresponding to the shelf 24 on which the first indoor temperature sensor 1025A is arranged when the temperature detected by the first indoor temperature sensor 1025A exceeds the defrosting temperature T1. In other words, the rotation speed of the second blower 42 is increased until the defrosted object is defrosted, and the rotation speed of the second blower 42 is decreased after the defrosting is completed. When the temperature of the shelf 24 is equal to or lower than the defrosting temperature T1, by increasing the rotation speed of the second blower 42, more air (warm air) from the second storage chamber 232 can be sent to the frozen object, and the frozen object can be defrosted more quickly.

[0062] <Embodiment 12> Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 20 and 21. The same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations will be omitted. In the defrosting chamber 1210 of this embodiment, the operation of the control unit 12 differs from that of the above-mentioned embodiments. As shown by the arrows in Fig. 20, in the cold storage operation of this embodiment, the first blower 41 is driven so that air in the defrosting chamber 21 is sucked into the lower part of the first storage chamber 31, passes through the heater 23 and the cooler 22, and is then expelled to the upper part of the defrosting chamber 21.

[0063] In contrast, as shown by the arrows in Figure 21, during defrosting operation, the control unit 12 rotates the first blower 41 in the opposite direction to that during cold storage operation, so that air in the defrosting chamber 21 is sucked into the upper part of the first storage chamber 31, passes through the cooler 22 and heater 23, and then is expelled to the lower part of the defrosting chamber 21.

[0064] In the cold storage operation, the air cooled by the cooler 22 is discharged to the upper part of the thawing chamber 21, thereby preventing the air from accumulating in the lower part of the thawing chamber 21. In addition, in the thawing operation, the air heated by the heater 23 is discharged to the lower part of the thawing chamber 21, thereby preventing the air from accumulating in the upper part of the thawing chamber 21. This prevents unevenness in the cold storage and thawing in the thawing chamber 21.

[0065] <Other embodiments> The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, and for example, the following embodiments are also included within the technical scope. (1) The configurations and processes of the control unit 12 illustrated in the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate within a practicable range. (2) The number of air blowers and the number of shelves are not limited to those exemplified in the above embodiment and may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910,1010,1110,1210...thawing chamber, 12...control unit, 14...cooling device, 21...thawing chamber, 22...cooler, 23...heater, 24...shelf, 31...first storage chamber, 32,232...second storage chamber, 41...first blower, 42...second blower, 751...duct member, 752...flow path, 751B...communication port (discharge port), 853...through hole, 1025...indoor temperature sensor, 1025A...first indoor temperature sensor, 1025B...second indoor temperature sensor

Claims

1. a thawing chamber capable of accommodating frozen items; a first chamber in which a cooler and a heater are accommodated; A second storage chamber communicated with the thawing chamber; A first blower device; A second blower device accommodated in the second accommodation chamber, When the first blower device is driven, air in the thawing chamber is sucked into the first storage chamber, passes through the heater and the cooler, and is then discharged into the thawing chamber. A thawing chamber configured such that air in the second storage chamber is discharged into the thawing chamber when the second blower device is driven.

2. The second storage chamber is disposed between the thawing chamber and the first storage chamber, The thawing chamber of claim 1, wherein when the first blowing device is driven, air in the thawing chamber is sucked into the first chamber via the second chamber, passes through the heater and the cooler, and then is expelled into the thawing chamber via the second chamber.

3. The thawing container according to claim 1 , wherein the thawing chamber is disposed between the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber.

4. A plurality of shelves are provided in the thawing chamber and divide the thawing chamber in an up-down direction, The thawing chamber according to claim 3 , wherein the second air blowing devices are arranged in a plurality of units corresponding to the shelves on the plurality of levels.

5. A plurality of shelves are provided in the thawing chamber and divide the thawing chamber in an up-down direction, The first air blowing device is provided at a height corresponding to the uppermost shelf board among the plurality of shelves, The thawing chamber according to claim 3 , wherein the second air blowing devices are arranged in a plurality of stages corresponding to each of the shelves except for the uppermost shelf.

6. The thawing chamber according to claim 4 , wherein the second air blowing devices are arranged in a plurality of rows along a direction perpendicular to both an arrangement direction of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber and a vertical direction.

7. The thawing chamber according to claim 4 , wherein the second blowing devices are arranged in a staggered pattern in the vertical direction.

8. The thawing chamber according to claim 4, wherein, when the first blower device is driven, air in the thawing chamber is sucked into an upper portion of the first storage chamber, passes through the heater, and is then expelled to a lower portion of the thawing chamber.

9. The thawing chamber according to claim 8 , wherein a flow path connecting the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber is provided below the shelf plate arranged at the lowest level in the thawing chamber.

10. A plate-shaped duct member is provided to separate the first storage chamber and the thawing chamber, A discharge port is formed at a lower end of the duct member for discharging air from the first storage chamber into the thawing chamber, The thawing chamber according to claim 9 , wherein the duct member has a plurality of through holes formed in a portion above the discharge port.

11. A cooling device including the cooler; A control unit, The first blower device and the second blower device are each constituted by a blower fan, The control unit is a cold storage operation in which the temperature inside the thawing chamber is maintained at a predetermined cold storage temperature by operating the cooling device, the first blower device, and the second blower device; a thawing operation for thawing the frozen object in the thawing chamber by operating the heater, the first blower, and the second blower; A rotation speed of the first blower device in the defrosting operation is set to a value greater than a rotation speed of the first blower device in the cooling operation, The thawing chamber according to claim 1 , wherein a rotation speed of the second blower device in the thawing operation is set to a value greater than a rotation speed of the second blower device in the cooling operation.

12. The thawing chamber according to claim 11, wherein the second blower is stopped during the cold storage operation.

13. a plurality of room temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of air in the thawing chamber; A control unit, The plurality of indoor temperature sensors are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of shelves, The control unit executes a thawing operation to thaw the frozen article in the thawing chamber by operating the heater, the first blower device, and the second blower device, In the defrosting operation, when the temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined defrosting temperature, the second blower device corresponding to the shelf on which the indoor temperature sensor is disposed is operated, The thawing chamber according to claim 4 , wherein when the temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor exceeds the thawing temperature, the second air blowing device corresponding to the shelf on which the indoor temperature sensor is disposed is stopped.

14. a plurality of room temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of air in the thawing chamber; A control unit, The first blower device and the second blower device are each constituted by a blower fan, The plurality of indoor temperature sensors are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of shelves, The control unit executes a thawing operation to thaw the frozen article in the thawing chamber by operating the heater, the first blower device, and the second blower device, In the case where any two of the plurality of indoor temperature sensors are a first indoor temperature sensor and a second indoor temperature sensor, The thawing chamber of claim 4, wherein, during the defrosting operation, when the detected temperature of the first indoor temperature sensor is higher than the detected temperature of the second indoor temperature sensor by a predetermined value or more, the control unit makes the rotation speed of the second blower device corresponding to the shelf on which the first indoor temperature sensor is arranged slower than the rotation speed of the second blower device corresponding to the shelf on which the second indoor temperature sensor is arranged.

15. The defrosting chamber according to claim 14, wherein, during the defrosting operation, the rotation speed of the second blower corresponding to the shelf on which the first indoor temperature sensor is arranged when the detected temperature of the first indoor temperature sensor is below a predetermined defrosting temperature is set to a value greater than the rotation speed of the second blower corresponding to the shelf on which the first indoor temperature sensor is arranged when the detected temperature exceeds the defrosting temperature.

16. A cooling device including the cooler; A control unit, The first blower device and the second blower device are each constituted by a blower fan, The control unit is a cold storage operation in which the temperature inside the thawing chamber is maintained at a predetermined cold storage temperature by operating the cooling device, the first blower device, and the second blower device; a thawing operation for thawing the frozen object in the thawing chamber by operating the heater, the first blower, and the second blower; In the cold storage operation, the first blower device is driven so that air in the thawing chamber is sucked into a lower portion of the first storage chamber, passes through the cooler and the heater, and is then discharged to an upper portion of the thawing chamber. A thawing chamber as described in any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, and 15, wherein during the thawing operation, the control unit rotates the first blower device in the opposite direction to that during the cooling operation, so that air in the thawing chamber is sucked into the upper part of the first storage chamber, passes through the heater and the cooler, and then is expelled to the lower part of the thawing chamber.

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